Definitive Guide to CILEX Courses
So, you’re thinking of taking the CILEX qualification – excellent choice! This qualification can pave the way to a rewarding and esteemed career in law.
However, with numerous providers offering various packages and approaches to studying CILEX, there are plenty of important decisions to make.
Do you prefer to be taught in person, self-study, or opt for a combination of both? Which materials suit you best: videos, study texts, course notes? Does the style of these materials influence your learning?
These are just a few examples of the choices you’ll need to consider.
With this guide, we aim to leverage our years of experience to assist you, providing insights and advice to help you navigate the array of options and take your first steps towards success.
Our first focus will be on how to choose your CILEX course provider.
1. How to spot high-quality CILEX tuition providers
When searching for a CILEX training provider, you should consider several key criteria to ensure they make the best choice. Here’s an overview of the top factors to look out for:
Accreditation and Reputation
Firstly, ensure that the training provider is accredited by CILEX. A reputable provider with positive reviews and a proven track record can make a significant difference in your learning experience.
Flexibility of Study Options
Look for a provider that offers flexible study options to suit your lifestyle. Whether you prefer full-time, part-time, evening classes, or online learning, the right provider should accommodate your schedule.
Quality of Study Materials
If sample course documents or videos are available, you should examine the quality of what’s on offer. High-quality videos, comprehensive study texts, detailed course notes, and interactive resources can enhance your understanding and retention of the material.
Tutoring and Support
Consider the level of support and tutoring available. Access to experienced tutors who can provide personalised guidance and answer your questions is invaluable. Check if the provider offers one-on-one support, study groups, or forums for peer interaction.
Success Rates
Some providers may be able to provide details of their student’s success rates. Providers with high pass rates and positive student outcomes indicate effective teaching methods and robust support systems. However, you should still approach these ‘pass rate’ figures with caution, as some providers may showcase results from very specific data groups, which may not be entirely representative of their overall course provision.
Cost and Value for Money
Evaluate the cost of the courses and what is included in the price. Ensure you are getting good value for your money, including access to quality materials, support services, and any additional resources.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
Finally, read reviews and testimonials from current and former students. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the provider.
By considering these criteria, you can make a well-informed decision and choose a CILEX training provider that best meets your needs.
Get CILEX Qualified with Astranti
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| Astranti has helped over 125,000 people get the qualifications they need to take their careers to the next step. Why not find out how we can help you, too? |
2. Classroom, live online, on-demand or blended CILEX courses?
Get CILEX Qualified with Astranti
 |
| Astranti has helped over 125,000 people get the qualifications they need to take their careers to the next step. Why not find out how we can help you, too? |
2. Classroom, live online, on-demand or blended CILEX courses?
As a trainee legal executive, you have plenty of study options available to you.
But one of the key choices you’ll need to make is the method of study. Do you go for a classroom course? An on-demand course? Or for something somewhere in the middle?
Here’s a summary of the key options and their main benefits…
Classroom Courses:
- Traditional learning environment – Ideal for those who thrive in a structured, face-to-face setting.
- Interactive and engaging – Opportunities for direct interaction with tutors and peers, fostering a collaborative learning experience.
- Scheduled classes – Set class times help establish a routine and ensure consistent progress.
- Immediate feedback – Tutors can provide instant clarification and feedback during lessons.
Live Online Courses:
- Flexible yet structured – Combines the flexibility of online learning with the structure of live classes.
- Interactive sessions – Live virtual classrooms allow for real-time interaction with tutors and fellow students.
- Convenient – Study from anywhere, reducing the need for travel and allowing for a more comfortable learning environment.
- Recorded sessions – Many providers offer recorded sessions for later review, providing flexibility if you miss a class.
On-Demand Courses:
- Maximum flexibility – Study at your own pace, whenever it suits you, making it ideal for those with unpredictable schedules.
- Self-paced learning – Progress through the material as quickly or slowly as you need, allowing you to spend more time on challenging topics.
- Wide range of resources – Access to pre-recorded lectures, interactive modules, and comprehensive study materials at any time.
- Independent study – Best suited for self-motivated learners who can manage their own study schedule without the need for regular tutor interaction.
Blended Courses:
- Best of both worlds – Combines the structure of classroom learning with the flexibility of online courses.
- Flexible scheduling – Attend some classes in-person and complete other components online, fitting around your personal and professional commitments.
- Interactive and comprehensive – Benefit from face-to-face interaction during in-person sessions and the convenience of accessing online resources anytime.
- Consistent support – Continuous access to tutors both in-person and online, ensuring you get the help you need when you need it.
Each option has its unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your personal learning style, schedule, and preferences. Whether you prefer the structure of classroom learning, the flexibility of live online courses, the convenience of on-demand study, or a blended approach, there’s a CILEX study option to suit every trainee legal executive.
Typical CILEX courses contain at least some degree of live tuition or support, even if it’s a fairly small part of the course.
As an awarding body, CILEX reviews the provision of such ‘pastoral’ care on tuition providers’ courses, and, although there’s no hard and fast requirement, some level of live tuition, mentoring or other support is recommended.
Note for CILEX apprenticeships:
Face-to-face contact is a requirement for those completing CILEX via an apprenticeship, so it’s a good idea to establish exactly what the level of this face-to-face support is when choosing your tuition provider.
3. What study materials will you need?
Studying for the CILEX qualification requires a variety of essential study materials to ensure comprehensive preparation and success.
These are some of the key study materials that you may need…
Essential study materials…
Core textbooks
CILEX manuals and study texts: These are the primary resources provided by CILEX and are tailored specifically to cover the syllabus comprehensively. They include detailed explanations of legal principles, case studies, and practical examples.
Why essential: They provide the fundamental knowledge base required to understand and apply legal concepts in exams and professional practice.
Study guides and course notes
Study guides: These are often provided by training providers and offer a condensed overview of key topics, helping to focus revision efforts.
Course notes: Personal and provider-supplied notes that summarise lectures and readings, highlighting important points and legal precedents.
Why essential: They aid in structured revision and ensure you are covering all necessary material for exams.
Practice questions and mocks
Practice questions: Simulate the exam environment and help identify areas that need further study and improvement.
Sample exam papers: Essential for understanding the format and style of CILEX exams. They help students practice time management and question interpretation.
Why essential: Practicing with these materials is crucial for exam preparation, helping with time management and familiarisation with exam questions.
Tutor and peer support
Tutor support: Access to experienced tutors who can provide guidance, feedback, and clarification on complex topics.
Study groups: Collaborating with peers can enhance understanding through discussion and shared insights.
Why essential: Continuous support and feedback are vital for grasping difficult concepts and staying motivated.
Nice to have study materials…
Online resources
E-learning modules: Interactive online modules that include quizzes, interactive case studies, and multimedia resources to enhance understanding.
Recorded lectures: Video recordings of lectures, which are particularly useful for reviewing complex topics and for those who prefer visual learning.
Why nice to have: These resources can enhance understanding and offer flexibility but are not indispensable if other core materials are thoroughly used.
Practical skills resources
Legal research tools: Guides and tools that help develop essential research skills, such as how to effectively use legal databases and conduct legal research.
Professional skills materials: Resources focused on developing practical legal skills, such as drafting legal documents, client interviewing techniques, and advocacy.
Why nice to have: While beneficial for practical skills, the core textbooks and tutor support often cover necessary skills.
Supplementary learning materials
Flashcards: Useful for quick reviews of key terms, legal principles, and case law.
Mobile apps: Various apps provide on-the-go access to study materials, quizzes, and flashcards.
Why nice to have: Helpful for quick study sessions and reinforcing knowledge, but not critical for passing exams.
Legal databases and journals
Online legal databases: Access to resources like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Lawtel for up-to-date legal information, case law, and statutes.
Academic journals: Legal journals provide in-depth analysis of current legal issues and developments, which can be useful for advanced study and professional exams.
Why essential: Staying current with legal updates and having access to comprehensive legal information is critical for both study and professional practice.
Practice workbooks
Practice workbooks: Contain exercises and problems designed to test understanding and application of legal principles.
Scenario-based exercises: Practical exercises that simulate real-world legal scenarios, helping to develop problem-solving skills.
Why nice to have: These provide additional practice but are not essential if mock exams and past papers are thoroughly used.
To effectively prepare for CILEX qualifications, focus on essential materials such as core textbooks, study guides, practice papers, legal databases, and support from tutors and peers. Supplementary materials like e-learning modules, flashcards, and workbooks can enhance your study experience but are not crucial for success.
4. How much do CILEX courses cost?
The cost of completing your CILEX qualification can vary depending on the specific pathway and provider you choose.
It therefore pays to look around to find the best course price for you.
However, to give you some context ahead of this, here are the CILEX Law School course fees, compared to Astranti’s course fees:
Course fee
(Astranti)
Why not take a look at how Astranti courses compare?
You may also have some additional costs, including:
+ Membership Fees: Annual membership fees with CILEX, which vary depending on your membership level.
+ Advocacy Course: If you are undertaking a pathway in a litigation area (e.g., Criminal, Dispute Resolution, Family), you will need to complete an approved Advocacy course, which incurs additional fees.
Whilst we’re talking about costs, there are a few key factors to bear in mind when considering the costs of the CILEX qualification…
Will My Employer Pay for It?
One of the significant advantages of training to become a legal executive is the potential for employer financial support. According to CILEX, over 60% of students had all or part of their course fees covered by their employers. This makes the path to becoming a legal executive not only professionally rewarding but also financially viable with employer assistance.
CILEX costs vs Solicitor costs:
Training to become a solicitor is considerably more expensive than becoming a chartered legal executive, and opportunities for employer funding are limited. To begin with, you need to attend university to obtain an LLB law degree, which typically costs around £27,000. After that, you’ll need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQEs), adding approximately £10,000 to your expenses. Additionally, if you hold a non-law degree and wish to become a solicitor, you’ll have to complete a one-year conversion course, costing another £10,000 on top of your university fees and the SQE costs.
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